A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
ELVIS & FRIENDS
Circle Square Cultural Center, Ocala
Feb. 3
Elvis tribute artist Cote Deonath headlines an energetic tribute to the King and partners with other artists for tributes to Buddy Holly, the Blues Brothers, Frank Sinatra and others. The show will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Marion County. Tickets are $15-$100. See habitatocala.org/elvisconcert for more info.
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Downtown Ocala
Feb. 3
Check out local artists and craftspeople and hear live music on the gazebo stage and from buskers playing on the streets. Visit downtown eateries or food vendors. Stores are open late for shopping. For more info, ocalafl.org
ADVENTHEALTH GRANDVIEW INVITATIONAL
Florida Horse Park
Feb. 3-5
Grandview Clydesdales hosts its annual invitational event with more than 150 teams of Clydesdales, Percherons and Belgians. There’s nothing quite like the thunder of dozens of 2,000-pound horses in one arena. Tickets range from $20-$145. Visit grandviewinvitational.com for details.
TRIBUTE BANDS IN CONCERT
Reilly Arts Center
Feb. 3, 10, 11 & March 4
If you grew up in the ‘70s, then check out Fleetwood Mac Rumours on Feb. 3; Creedence Revived on Feb. 10; the Alter Eagles on Feb. 11; and Absolute Queen on Mar. 4. Tickets range from $25-$45. See reillyartscenter.com for more info.
OCALA POLO CLUB WINTER GAMES
Florida Horse Park
Feb. 5, 12, 19 & 26
You can get up close with the equine athletes and their riders as you tailgate near the fence lines. Chairs are suggested, food and drink are encouraged and tents are available for rent. For more information, visit ocalapolo.com
GRANDVIEW WORLD NIGHTS
World Equestrian Center
Feb. 9-11
This world-class draft horse show is a follow-up to the AdventHealth Grandview Invitational. Tickets range from $35-$100 with VIP packages available. Also on tap is the World of Red Valentine’s Day party on Feb. 11, with tickets at $75. For more info, grandviewworldnights.com
MORE TRIBUTE BANDS
Circle Square Cultural Center
Feb. 10, 18 & 24
Classic Stones Live boasts Mick Jagger’s swagger as part of the show on Feb. 10. Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees should have you dancing on Feb. 18. On Feb. 24 will be Hollywood Nights: The
Bob Seger Experience. Tickets range from $31-$34. Learn more at csculturalcenter.com
BRICK CITY ANIME FESTIVAL
World Equestrian Center
Feb. 11-12
The event includes guest artists and actors, a vendor alley and presentations. Tickets on Saturday are $45; $35 on Sunday; or $60 for a weekend pass, from brickcityanimefestival.com
CATTLE DRIVE (CANCELED) & DUCK DERBY
Tuscawilla Park
Feb. 11
Due to forecasted inclement weather, the Cattle Drive has been canceled. Cowboys will herd Florida Cracker cattle from Southeast 8th Street through downtown, then north to Tuscawilla Park. The party starts there with live music, demonstrations, craft vendors, food trucks and activities for youth. The Marion Rotary Duck Derby will raise money for the Discovery Center and charities. Adopt a duck for $5, a “quack pack” of six for $25 or a flock of 24 for $100. For more info, duckrace.com/Ocala and ocalafl.org
SUNCOAST BASSET RESCUE SWEETHEART WADDLE
Greater Ocala Dog Club Show Grounds
Feb. 18
The 21st annual fundraiser for the dog rescue will include a 50/50 raffle, a DJ, vendors, basset hound games, longest ears contest, hot dog toss, lure course and Waddle Parade. Dogs will be available for adoption. For more info, suncoastbassetrescue.org
SILVER RIVER KNAP-IN
Silver River Museum Campus
Feb. 18-19
Specialists in native skills will showcase their talents in this 12th annual knap-in, with flint knappers, archaeologists, potters, hide tanners, canoe carvers and others demonstrating their crafts. Admission is $8; free ages 5 and younger. The museum currently features the Dugout Canoes: Paddling Through the Americas exhibit. For more details, visit silverrivermuseum.com
MARION COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR’S CHARITY CAR SHOW
McPherson Governmental Complex
Feb. 25
The 13th annual car show will feature entertainment, a bounce house, food and drink vendors, craft booths, antique vendors, DJ and more. Car entry proceeds ($15 to pre-register by Feb. 15; $20 at the gate) will benefit Marion County charities. For more info, email jwicklein@mariontax.com
THE SOUNDS OF HOLLYWOOD
Reilly Arts Center
Feb. 25 & 26
Musical scores are part of orchestral music’s contribution to modern culture and you will be sure to recognize the movie hits in this special concert. Composers include Hans Zimmer, Maurice Jarre, Bernard Herrmann and John Williams. Tickets are $15 – $40 from reillyartscenter.com
